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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Day 5 - Mountain Top Experience

Our friend Becky picked us up this morning around 10ish for the trip to the top of Roan Mountain (elevation 6,250 feet). First stop was Elk Falls in Elk Park, NC. Remember we are in the Northeastern tip of Tennessee which is just a few minutes away from North Carolina. This water fall can be viewed from three positions.

The top. (Don't worry kids - Mom is doing just fine.)

The middle.

The bottom.

Well, I did not go down to the bottom but there is a bottom. I even got a shot at Carol back at the top.
And then a stranger took this group shot of Carol and I with Becky.
We had a cool time there but it was time to move on. Next stop was Roan Mountain. We stop for lunch at the top before trekking off to the world's largest natural rhododendron garden. The park had a beautiful picnic area positioned very near the garden.
After our picnic lunch, we headed out for the garden. We found a small overlook spot that had this incredible view of the mountains and valleys below. Carol shot this short panoramic video for your enjoyment. At the end of the video, notice the tree growth. You can easily tell the direction of the prevailing winds.

The park service has a beautiful wide concrete trail that guides you through the garden. The best view was at the overlook. The view is just amazing. The rhododendron are in full bloom and the bees are busy.

On the way out I saw people looking at the little flower. Being so small, I thought a closeup would be best. Say hello to the Roan Mountain Bluet. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed this plants threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
It was time to come down off the mountain. Becky brought us back to the RV where we had a short rest. Then she and Kevin pickup us up at the RV Park's boat dock.

We then took a scenic ride down the South Fork Holston River on our way to Boone Lake Marina for dinner.

After dinner, Becky then drove us back to our RV where we started getting ready for our trip to Cherokee, NC on Thursday. As our time closes on this leg of our vacation, I want to say Thank You to my friend and former boss Becky.